The only problem is that Ricky's production has dropped so far this year. After three games he has only rushed for 120 yards after 35 carries, putting him at 3.4 yards per carry. That is definitely below average numbers for a running back, and his longest run so far has been for only 8 yards.
Compare that to Ronnie Brown, who has had 37 carries for 199 yards and an average of 5.4 yards per carry. That is much better and warrants more hand-offs in Brown's direction.
The only problem is that Brown is a high-injury risk, and the Miami Dolphins don't want to give him the ball too much for fear that he will be injured. So, they are forced to hand it off to Ricky. And not that giving Ricky Williams the ball is a bad thing, either. Ricky is a great running back, but lately he has not been as effective.
I will be honest and say that I am not sure how much more effective Ricky will be. I really, really hope that he is able to return to his form from last year, but he hasn't shown any signs that he will play like he did last year.
It may be due, in part, to the fact that the Dolphins have been throwing the ball a lot more, but that isn't a likely reason because a good passing game can open up the running game.
I actually think a big reason for Ricky's woes so far this season is the offensive play-calling. We have discussed the questionable calls by Dan Henning and the Dolphins offense before, and I think Ricky is one of the victims of poor play-calling.
They always seem to call a run play at the wrong time, and the defense is almost always able to stop the run. I know that play-calling should not be used as a huge excuse for running the ball poorly, but it is still something to consider.
But, back to the question at hand: Will Ricky Williams Be Effective This Season?
I can only guess, but I seriously doubt that Ricky won't do better. He seems too determined to just let his career fade away.
Last year when he was sharing carries with Ronnie he would have a game every once in a while with a low yards-per-carry, so it isn't like he always put up great numbers every single game. Granted, his numbers have not been good for a few weeks in a row, but he could just be having a longer than normal slump. He will get out of it soon.
For fantasy football owners this could be a good thing. If an owner in your league has Ricky Williams he would probably be willing to trade him for less than what he is really going to be worth for the rest of the season.
Let me know what you guys think about Ricky. Will he be effective? Tell me what you think with a comment or two.
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